Merson: Does exactly what it says on the tin.

Review of Paul Merson's autobiography: ‘How not to be a Professional Footballer’

During the 1990’s, there were four outstanding English attacking midfielders; Paul Scholes, Matt Le Tissier, Paul Gascoigne and Paul Merson. The former two were loyal, one-club servants and consummate professionals. The latter two could also play a bit, sometimes more off the pitch than on it.

While Gazza’s problems were well documented in full view of the media, the exact truth behind Merson’s demons have been bared publicly for the first time including how he lost in excess of £7 Million to the bookmakers.

The affable joker had a seemingly darker side to his persona than the one which is played out to millions on a Saturday afternoon from the comfort of the Soccer Saturday studios for Sky Sports. In fact, the darker side wasn’t visible to the thousands on the terraces when he played or even those closest to him, who he eventually drove away.

Born with what he describes as a ‘compulsive personality’, Merson adored the spotlight when playing at his first club, Arsenal. However, when the football matches ended he chased his next buzz: gambling. Should he be, as is often the case, a loser in that scenario then he’d drink his problems away by drowning his sorrows at the local boozer. Only that wasn’t enough, next stop was the ignominy of a drug addiction to cocaine.

Few people noticed, before the papers came calling and a man, who scored a goal short of a century for the Gunners, was publicly shamed and admitted to the first of quite a few rehabilitation clinics.

It’s not all a sorry tale for ex-England international Merson though, he has many a story to tell, as you would expect and quite a few medals along the way – achieving something at every club he played for, not just the hearts of the fans.

Many managers adored his ability and his skill. He was a character on the pitch and continues to be off it, which is something the game of football still requires in this ‘serious era’ as he puts it.

If you’re looking for a humorous book written by a humble and genuine ‘bloke who got lucky doing the thing he loved most’ then look no further than a delve into Merson’s heart and mind.

Rating: 7/10

Favourite quote: “We were the original screwed up couple. Gaz was an alcoholic and a brilliant nutter. I was an alcoholic with a history in class A drugs. It was like a time bomb waiting to go off...”